[mikev]

Another Playoff Exit

Well, they playoffs ended just as quickly as they started for the Crusaders. For the third year in a row, the Crusaders underperformed in the playoffs and this time dropped the Cartwright Cup in 6 games to the Baltimore Monarchs

Game 1: BAL 8, CAL 1

When your Game 1 starter is Arturo Fernandez (no, I'm not calling him Big Time. He was Big Time, but after fantastic age 23 and 24 seasons, he all of a sudden lumped twice and sucks. Realistic!), sporting a 5.04 ERA on the season -- when actually I had my rotation set up so at least George Adams (14-10, 3.33, 1.26 WHIP) would start Game 1, but the schedule was somehow wrong. I dunno, whatever. Fernandez got beat like, well, like something that gets beaten really bad. A meaningless Aucoin homer kept us from being shut out.

Game 2: CAL 4, BAL 3

Adams goes 8 strong innings, and Vargas gets the save even though he walked 3 guys and gave up a run. Again, TOTALLY normal performance from Vargas here. I love the playoffs.

Game 3: CAL 2, BAL 0

Lindsay Blackley was flat out dominant, allowing only 2 hits over 8 innings with 5 strikeouts and no walks. Vargas picked up his second save, with a slightly better performance.

Game 4: BAL 6, CAL 2

Ken McKain this season: 22-7, 2.37 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 79.9 VORP. He'll be in the running for pitcher of the year. Naturally, he gives up 6 runs on 10 hits over 7 innings. **** the playoffs.

Game 5: BAL 8, CAL 3

Sadly, Arturo Fernandez had to pitch again. It's really not even worth talking about how bad he was, not even making it through the 5th inning and completely destroying any chance the Crusaders would have, given how solid Baltimore's Hernandez pitched.

Game 6: BAL 3, CAL 2

Close game, good pitching, Adams was okay and limited damage given that he allowed 10 hits. The season ended when Vargas allowed back to back doubles with 2 outs in the bottom of the 10th inning. Thanks for nothing.

In short, the offense was completely shut down and the pitching was equally as bad. Scoring 14 runs in 6 games is entirely unacceptable, and this team is clearly not in the upper echelon of the MBBA. Good thing the minor league system completely sucks.

The Next Crusade

OFFSEASON